2012 Youth Outdoor Journalism Contest Accepting Entries

April 20, 2012-- The Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association (LOWA) is accepting entries for this year's Youth Outdoor Journalism Contest sponsored by LOWA and the Louisiana Chapter of Safari Club International (SCI) with support from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF).

The contest includes both essay and photography categories that will be judged based on presentation of Louisiana outdoor themes that include hunting, fishing, boating, hiking, camping, or other related outdoor experiences. All entries are judged by professional educators and outdoor communicators.

The essay contest is broken into two age divisions: senior (ages 14-18) and junior (13 years of age and younger). The essays must be about personal experiences related to the outdoors and between 300 and 1,000 words in length. Essays submitted must be typed, double-spaced and only on one side of each page submitted as part of an entry.

The photography category is open to all students 18 years of age and younger. Only original, unpublished photos in color or black and white in a 4x6 inch, 5x7 inch or 8x10 inch print format, center-mounted on 8x10 inch poster or mounting board will be accepted.

First place prize winners will receive $150 cash prize. Second place will receive $100, third place winners get $50 and honorable mentions receive $25. All of the winning applicants will receive an LOWA award certificate. The cash prizes are donated by the Louisiana Chapter of SCI and will be presented at the annual LOWA Conference in August. Winning entries will also have their work published in various media outlets and web sites.

All entries must be postmarked no later than May 11, 2012and sent to: The Advocate Educational Services/LOWA, P.O. Box 588, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. The entries must also include the contestant's name, age, school, home address and telephone number at the top of the first page of the essay or attached to the back of the mounting board of the photos. Participants that want to have their entries returned must include a self addressed stamped envelope. Winners will be notified by mail.